1979 Austin Allegro vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Austin Allegro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Austin Allegro would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1979 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 392 kg more than 1979 Austin Allegro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Austin Allegro, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Allegro | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | Allegro | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1207 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
